Our two golden jubilarians:
Sr. Mary Tarcila Abano and Sr. Mary Clare Leones looked radiantly
beautiful as they processed to the
strians of “Joyful, joyful, we adore
Thee, God of glory, Lord we love.....”. They
were celebrating their Golden Jubilee of
Profession with the theme Joyful Gratitude for Yahweh’s faithfulness.
At the altar were the main Celebrant, Father Ron Bagley, CJM
, Homilist Father Miguel Garaizabal, SJ and Father Victor Leones, SVD. Indeed the Entrance Hymn of joy said it all:....call us to rejoice in
Thee, lift us to the joy divine.
The Eucharistic celebrants were somehow connected to the two Golden Jubilarians. Father Victor Leones, SVD is Sr. Mary Clare’s brother who is a missionary in Ghana for
more than 30 years. He scheduled his home visit this year so he could be in
this joyful celebration. Father Miguel
Garaizabal, SJ, is missioned in Thailand. He was in Buhi, Camarines Sur for
his rural experience as a tertian in 1976 when Sister Tarcila was assigned
there. By Divine Providence, he is at
this time in the Philippines for a course in Galilee Retreat Center for Priests in Tagaytay City. And Fr. Ron Bagley, CJM is our brother Eudist
who is part of our religious family.
Sr. Tarcila’s niece, Kinca Abano Ranada read the First
Reading, the letter of St.
Paul to the Colossians1:21-23 and the Prayers of the
Faithful was read by Sr. Clare’s niece Joanne Leones. Communion song was a duet: Sr. Tarcila and her niece Gigi Otacan sang Yahweh the Faithful One.
The two Golden Jubilarians renewed and confirmed the vows
they made 50 years ago in the presence of the whole congregation just before the Offertory. Having done so, they placed their written vows on the altar table while
all the Good Shepherd Sisters, apostolic and contemplative sang Mother
Foundress’ aspiration.
Before the Mass ended, Sister Mary Tarcila and Sister Mary
Clare thanked all the persons they hold dear to their hearts
and grateful for their growth and perseverance.
Reception was held at the Heart of Mary pavilion and
conference hall. All went home: “Ang puso ko’y nagpupuri sa Panginoon,
nagagalak ang aking espiriu sa ‘king tagapagligtas.”
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